In Augsburg, Germany’s new international chapter under Jürgen Klopp took an unexpected turn as Greece claimed a 1-0 Nations League victory, their first ever win over the German national side.
Greece make history in Augsburg
- Klopp had begun his tenure as Germany coach on Thursday with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, in Xavi Hernández’s first match in charge of the Dutch team.
- Germany returned home seeking a first victory under their new manager, while Greece arrived as leaders of Nations League Group A2.
- Karim Adeyemi, the Barcelona forward enjoying a strong opening to the season, created Germany’s best first-half opportunities. In the 26th minute, he led a rapid break down the left and sent his finish narrowly wide.
- Adeyemi then worked space for a left-footed effort, but Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Tzolakis made an important save.
- Germany controlled much of the ball but lacked precision in the final third. Tzolakis continued to frustrate the hosts with three further notable stops, including one from Serge Gnabry after the forward replaced Adeyemi in the 75th minute.
- Greece gradually found a route into the match after the interval. Fotis Ioannidis missed a major chance to put the visitors ahead in the 67th minute.
- The decisive moment arrived eight minutes later. Dimitris Kourbelis struck towards goal, with Joshua Kimmich’s deflection taking the ball close to the post and beyond Alexander Nübel.
A first setback for Klopp
The result gave Greece a landmark triumph and left Klopp with his first defeat as Germany coach after only two matches. Germany had changed goalkeeper from the Netherlands draw, with Nübel selected in Augsburg after Marc-André ter Stegen had started the previous fixture.
For Greece, the journey home from Bavaria came with more than three Nations League points: the visitors had broken new ground against one of European football’s traditional powers.
